Qormi 0
Sliema Wanderers 4
Mifsud Triganza 23, 31; Scerri 74; Obiefule 85;
Sliema Wanderers’ rebirth under Danilo Doncic continued yesterday.
Galvanised by two wins in their last two games, Sliema served up further evidence of their new-found belief under the Serbian mentor as they pulverised Qormi 4-0 to make an important step towards retaining their Premier League status.
Both contestants had endured the heartache of missing out on a Championship Pool berth in dramatic circumstances but their reaction to that disappointment was contrasting.
While Sliema’s stirring showing allayed any fears that their top-six setback may have dimmed their confidence, Qormi couldn’t find the energy and resilience to bounce back from their 2-2 draw with Marsaxlokk as, for long stretches, Stephen Azzopardi’s team were outwitted by opponents who looked smarter and sharper.
Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza’s first-half brace paved the way for Sliema’s success, one that takes them to the top of the Relegation Pool on 14 points, eight clear of bottom side Vittoriosa Stars.
With Matthew Farrugia ruled out by suspension, Matthew Camilleri was entrusted with the responsibility of guarding Qormi’s goal. The other change from the team that started the 2-2 draw against Marsaxlokk saw winger Cleaven Frendo take the place of George Mallia who was among the substitutes.
Sliema Wanderers coach Danilo Doncic sent out the same team that inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Hibs in their previous outing. Tunisian striker Chakib Lachkhem and Nigerian Obinna Obiefule, who was suspended for the match against Hibs, started on the bench.
The first action of note came after five minutes when Mark Scerri chipped the ball into the box but Mifsud Triganza’s flick was too central to unsettle Camilleri.
Referee Chris Lautier waved away Qormi’s tame claims for a penalty when Michael Mifsud, who was subjected to derogatory chants from the Sliema fans throughout the game, went down at the merest hint of a challenge from Josef Mifsud.
The abrasive nature of the early exchanges necessitated a firm approach from Lautier to keep the game under control.
Etienne Barbara, yesterday facing his hometown club, provoked the ire of the Qormi fans when he shoved Christos Karamanolis off the ball close to the touchline.
The much-travelled forward was deployed on the right wing as Doncic opted for a 4-2-1-3 formation with Mifsud Triganza taking up the central striker’s role.
Mifsud Triganza needed only 23 minutes to justify Doncic’s faith as the former Birkirkara forward raced into the box to reach Steve Bezzina’s pass and slammed the ball past Camilleri.
Despite having an abundance of offensive players, the likes of Mifsud, Josue and Abubakar Bello-Osagie, Qormi laboured the make an attacking impact as Sliema limited the supply to the opposing forwards.
To compound matters for Qormi, their defensive and midfielders are also having problems dealing with the astute movement and determination of their opponents. Qormi’s difficulties at the back were there for all to see when Roderick Bajada’s slipped a through-ball to Mifsud Triganza who sped clear and finished with aplomb.
Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi gave Bello-Osagie a free role between the midfield and forward lines but the Nigerian initially found it difficult to put his speed and agility to good use.
Azzopardi effected a double substitution at the start of the second half, South Korean Kang Hojung and Mallia coming on for Karamanolis and Frendo, the latter having appeared ill at ease in midfield.
Early in the second half, Camilleri had to dash out of his goal to close down Mifsud Triganza who, minutes later, burst through Stefan Giglio and Jason Vandelannoite but the latter twice repelled the Sliema striker’s shots. Mifsud Triganza claimed that the diving Vandelannoite had used his hands to stop his second effort but Lautier saw nothing wrong.
Barbara’s cross from the left was headed home by Mifsud Triganza five minutes into the second half but the latter was in an offside position.
The hitherto subdued Qormi only had a Joseph Farrugia free-kick, saved by Viktor Szentpeteri, to show for their efforts in the early exchanges of the second half.
Two goals down, Qormi were compelled to up their game if they were to claw their way back into contention.
Mallia came closest to pulling one back for Qormi but his header from Keith Fenech’s cross was tipped over the bar by Szentpeteri.
Doncic brought some fresh legs, Obiefule and Lachkhem coming on for Failla and Mifsud Triganza, the latter having suffered a knock.
Vandelannoite was inches wide with an angled grounder but Qormi’s hopes all but vanished when Sliema increased their lead 16 minutes from time. Their goal owed much to Barbara’s strength and persistency as the stocky forward forced his way past two players into the box and his cross-cum-shot was flicked into the net by captain Mark Scerri.
Qormi tried to summon a reaction but Sliema easily withstood their chaotic pressure. Having gone close with a rising effort, Obiefule completed the rout with an exquisite finish from an angled position five minutes from the end.
Qormi
M. Camilleri-4, J. Vandelannoite-5, S. Giglio-5, C. Karamanolis-4 (46 K. Hojung-5), K. Fenech-5.5 (66 J. Chetcuti-4), M. Mifsud-5, J. Farrugia-5, A. Bello-Osagie-4, J. Bondin-4, C. Frendo-4 (46 G. Mallia-6), Josue-5.
Sliema Wanderers
V. Szentpeteri-8, J. Briffa-6, J. Mifsud-7, M. Scerri-7, J.P. Mifsud Triganza-7.5 (64 C. Lachkhem-5.5), S. Bezzina-7, C. Gatt Baldacchino-7, Jackson Lima-6 (85 B. Muscat), R. Bajada-6.5, C. Failla-6 (66 O. Obiefule), E. Barbara-8.
Referee: Chris Lautier.
Yellow cards: Mifsud; Failla; Vandelannoite.
BOV player of the match: J.P Mifsud Triganza (Sliema).
Attendance: 732.